Hybrid Kayak

ABSTRACT

This disclosure is directed to watercraft that provide the stability of stand-up paddleboards and the maneuvering of kayaks. In one embodiment, the watercraft is wider and shallower than a kayak, allowing for increased stability and increased maneuverability in shallow water. This embodiment has a broad, flat bottom that allows a paddler to stand up comfortably and stay balanced while paddling, fishing, and so on, which is not possible with most kayaks. This embodiment also includes features that are not found on Stand-Up Paddleboards, such as scuppers, dry storage hatches and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/262,031, filed Nov. 17, 2009, which is incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the invention.

The invention relates generally to watercraft, and more particularly to hybrid kayaks that provide the stability of stand-up paddleboards and the maneuvering of kayaks.

2. Summary

This disclosure is directed to watercraft that incorporate features of a Stand-Up Paddleboard and a Sit-On-Top kayak (SOT kayak). In one embodiment, the watercraft is wider and shallower than a kayak, allowing for increased stability and increased maneuverability in shallow water. This embodiment has a broad, flat bottom that allows a paddler to stand up comfortably and stay balanced while paddling, fishing, and so on, which is not possible with most kayaks. This embodiment also includes features that are not found on Stand-Up Paddleboards, such as scuppers, dry storage hatches and the like.

Numerous other embodiments are also possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top view of a hybrid kayak in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of a hybrid kayak in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a front view of a hybrid kayak in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

In one embodiment, Diablo Paddlesports, Inc.'s new hybrid Kayak, Diablo, combines the most popular features of a Stand-Up Paddleboard and a Sit-On-Top kayak (SOT kayak).

The Diablo is a Stand up paddle kayak—SUP-yak, 150.5 inches long. Similar to a traditional SOT kayak, the wet storage and cockpit is significantly shallower.

The 36.5 inches beam hull design allows the boat to be wider and shallower than a kayak. Allowing for increased stability and makes the vessels draft in water more shallow than a kayak. Most kayaks are between 25-31 inches wide and over 14 inches deep at the midline. Diablo's Adios is a mere 9 inches thick at the midline and 12″ high at the stern.

The Diablo's tri-hull, increases the stability of the pontoons, adds buoyancy and tracking. Tri-hull meaning that there are three areas protruding downward running longitudinally on the bottom of the boat, one full length keel and two pontoons.

The design of the keel is significantly longer and is positioned in the center of the outer boat hull. Most Keels are less than a foot long and drop off the back of the hull 2-5 inches.

On the deck the 2′ wide cockpit with a broad, flat, sloping bottom gives a wide base for the paddler to stand up comfortably as well as stay balanced while engaged in activities, such as paddling or fishing. This feature is not found on most kayaks.

Three areas of the cockpit floor are covered in traction pad, which provide safety and comfort while standing. This area may used to paddle from the kneeling position with a kayak or single bladed paddle.

Included in the boat are 6 scuppers, a dry custom forward hatch that is accessible from the cockpit, and Two 8 inch round dry hatches. Most kayaks have a dry hatch in the front that is difficult to access from the cockpit, and one dry storage access point in the back, the number of scuppers varies from one to four.

At the front of the cockpit is a handle that is positioned to assist the paddler while transitioning from a sitting position to a standing position in the boat, a feature that is not seen in normal SOT kayaks. No paddleboards have this feature, they all require you to pop up into a stance like a surfer would. Attached to the handle is a custom designed strap for ease of changing from a kneeling or sitting position to a standing position.

With Diablo's added safety and stability, a person can easily paddle a Diablo Boat from the standing position, just like a stand up paddleboard.

Recreational users can experience the new stand up phenomenon.

Anglers will enjoy a better sight plane into the water, providing increased visibility of fish and underwater structures and features.

The dry storage compartment in the front (stern) opens towards the cockpit of the boat providing easy access from a kneeling or forward sitting position.

At the rear of the cockpit is a raised area providing comfortable seating.

The seating area has four attachment points, two behind and two forward on each side. These attachment points are positioned to secure a soft kayak seat to the boat. Seats may be removed or changed with standard brass clasps.

Located in the rear wet storage area, three attachment points are provided on each side. These can be rigged with 1″ nylon straps, quick release buckles to tie down equipment. As an alternative the boat may be outfitted with a long length of bungee cord securing cargo in the wet storage area.

The adjustable foot braces on each side of the cockpit provide the paddler leg support while paddling and navigating the craft.

Additional attachment points on each side of the cockpit were designed to connect thigh straps to the craft. Thigh straps keep the paddler in the boat while surfing or shooting large rapids or waterfalls.

Positioned on each side of the cockpit of the Diablo are two molded cup holders. The right cup holder fits a quart beverage and the left side a 12 oz beverage with neoprene koozie.

Strategically located on each side of the cockpit along with the bow and stern are handles vertically positioned for ease of lifting the boat as well as pulling yourself into the boat from open water.

Located underneath each handle on the sides, is a lashing hook. A shock of bungee may be tethered between two EZ-plugs that are adhered to the side of the craft, and may be stretched over the groove on the side of the boat to secure paddles when not in use.

On the large flat spot on the bow of the boat, there are four attachment points to be used with bungee for lightweight wet storage, such as PFD, or flotation devices.

The hull is made of ABS, a co-extruded acrylic, and is thermoformed in two parts, consisting of a deck and a hull. 

1. A watercraft comprising: a hull, wherein at a midpoint of the hull, the beam of the hull is at least three times the depth of the hull, wherein a cockpit within the hull has a flat bottom which is sufficiently broad to allow an occupant to stand in the cockpit.
 2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the hull includes a central keel which extends along at least half the length of the hull, and wherein the hull further includes two pontoons, each of which is parallel to the keel and is positioned on an opposite side of the keel. 